Jude 8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.
I want to write concerning this subject, because it has become a very prevalent problem in the last 10 years. This picture of dishonor is affecting our society, homes, businesses, and churches. We read and understand that this problem will intensify in the end times. The strong self-will that people carry within lends them the arrogant tendency to discredit and disrespect dignities with any sort of dominance. Dominion was the calling that was first placed upon Adam and Eve. I do believe the balance that I could see over 30 years ago, has for the most part disappeared. This makes room for rebellion, and an evil spirit of resistance to prevail in our day. The generation we see today is so vastly different from the one I was part of for 61 years. Resistance movements and the intolerance of any type of governance, seem to be the current way of life. The Bible is clear about this rising problem at the close of the age.
What are these dignities we read about in Jude? There are many hard-working, callus-kneed people who have shed abundant tears and bloodied their hands to achieve success with their skill. This ranges from the founder of a business, to one with a governing position in the structural mechanism required for unified work. Their job-description requires proficiency that can be very difficult and intense to achieve. After years of honing their talent and meeting with success in their field, there forms within an acquired skill to fulfill the necessity to function with grace.
There are many classes and variations of common duty in the work force, and daily responsibilities in every department of life. The Christian should always seek to fulfill his duties with excellence. Some of these people have mastered their areas of profession to the degree of obtaining a notoriety in their society, community, organization, or other entity. But from the spiritual observation, there is one most important by far; it is the kingdom of God, which closely correlates to the Bride of Christ – the Church. However, the honoring of dignities is not specific only to the church. I will bring that honor to our attention towards the end of this writing.
The toil of perfecting which these dignitaries and achievers have performed in their craft is worthy of great honor and respect. They are found among the best in the land, from great fathers and mothers, to peaceful citizens. These people carry a class of importance, and passion in the way their organization functions. If they would disappear one day, things could become very difficult surrounding the responsibilities they maintained so well. These are people of honor that have always worked with an understanding of the blessing of being under authority in one form or another.
Some of these people have greater achievements, and therefore hold a higher degree of dignity. Superior achievements simply mean greater discipline, and intense tolerance in the pursuit of superior organization and productivity. These efficient accomplishers escalate their advancements and are prone to much greater risk as well. I am describing those dignitaries which form an honorable platform by their loyal duty to service in whatever capacity they are hired to fulfill. These become masters regardless of their profession, because they use the ability they find within the character of God-given governance. This governance is part of a God-given initiative to fulfill duty, regardless of what the task requires.
I certainly understand that there are those who fail in these areas of responsibility and will not become masters of duty. Laziness and a sluggish demeanor will never pursue greater responsibility. These are the ones that always tend to downplay anyone with any form of initiative. Their glass is always half empty. If we’re tempted to minimize someone’s achievements and allow jealousy to dishonor them, we should walk with them for a mile or two. Every experience and mere victory stood as an assault against them until they prevailed. When we see someone that has a stature of dignity, let’s consider the cost they endured. I know these fellows are being paid for the service and legitimacy they’ve brought to their employer.
There are those who give years of service to God, never receiving anything of a reward on earth. They receive almost the exact opposite of those in the common workplace of duty. They are despised, rejected, ridiculed, lied against, and dishonored in return for years of hardship while doing the will of God. Their mantle has thousands of teardrops, blood stains, and marks of deep rejection pierced throughout. Entwined within are sleepless nights of anguish and pain inflicted by fellow saints who never understand. Requirements of extreme decision-making are so heavy, numbing the heart to the point where direction is by faith alone. These are spiritual dignities. Let us never despise any dignities but respect them and honor them as God would have us do. When we honor them, we bring their blessing upon us which is ultimately from God.
1 Thessalonians 4:8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his Holy Spirit.
1 Peter 2:17 Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. V.18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the forward.
